One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate plan is choosing who will handle your affairs after you pass away. This person, known as the executor, plays a central role in making sure your wishes are carried out and your estate is settled properly. In New York, the executor has specific legal duties, and not everyone is well-suited for the role. Choosing the right executor involves more ... [Read More]

Parents don’t like to think about not being there for their children. But planning for the possibility is one of the most responsible steps you can take. If you have minor children, your estate plan needs to include more than just a will. It should also name a guardian and set up a financial plan that protects your child’s future. In New York, two essential tools to help you do ... [Read More]

Giving to a cause you care about doesn’t have to wait until the end of your life. But if you want your charitable values to last beyond your lifetime, your estate plan is the place to make it happen. In New York, there are several ways to include philanthropy in your estate plan that are both meaningful and tax-efficient. Whether you want to support a local nonprofit, your alma mater, ... [Read More]

Creating a will is a smart and necessary step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are followed after you’re gone. But drafting a will isn’t a one-time task. Life moves forward. Families change. So do laws. If you haven’t looked at your will in several years, there’s a good chance it no longer reflects your current situation. In New York, estate planning laws and personal circumstances can ... [Read More]

When you’re responsible for a loved one with a disability, estate planning takes on a different level of importance. You want to be sure they’re cared for—financially and personally—without putting their government benefits at risk. In New York, one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating a special needs trust. A special needs trust is designed to manage resources for a person with disabilities while preserving ... [Read More]

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on physical assets—things like bank accounts, houses, or family heirlooms. But in today’s digital world, many of our most important records and interactions are stored online. From email and social media accounts to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored documents, digital assets have real value and should be part of a complete estate plan. Failing to plan for these assets can leave loved ones ... [Read More]

Estate planning often brings to mind wills, trusts, and dividing assets. But one document that’s just as important—yet often overlooked—is the durable power of attorney. In New York, this document gives someone you trust the legal authority to manage your finances and property if you're unable to do so yourself. It’s not only practical, but also essential for protecting your interests during your lifetime. Understanding how a durable power of ... [Read More]

Estate planning is more than just writing a will or creating a trust. One often-overlooked detail that carries significant weight is the designation of beneficiaries. These decisions can directly affect how your assets are distributed and whether your intentions are followed after you pass. Many people in New York assume that once they’ve set up a will, everything is covered. In reality, that’s not always true. Some assets pass outside ... [Read More]

Running a successful business takes vision, hard work, and commitment. But one thing many business owners overlook is what happens when it's time to step away. Whether due to retirement, disability, or an unexpected event, having a plan in place for who will take over can protect both the business and the people who rely on it. Business succession planning is the process of preparing for the future transfer of ... [Read More]

Planning for the future involves more than just writing a will. A comprehensive estate plan ensures your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary legal complications are avoided. But even with good intentions, people often make critical mistakes that create confusion, delays, and financial strain for their families. If you’re creating or updating an estate plan in New York, understanding where things commonly go wrong can ... [Read More]